Enea Bastianini's MotoGP comeback starts at Portimao: Can he reclaim past glory?
The stage is set for a thrilling MotoGP comeback story at Portimao, as Enea Bastianini seeks to rekindle his qualifying prowess from the 2024 season. But here's the twist: he's now with a different team and bike, leaving fans and pundits alike wondering if he can replicate his former success.
Back in 2024, Bastianini, then a factory Ducati rider, secured pole position at Portimao, eventually finishing second in the grand prix. Fast forward to the present, and the Italian rider is now part of the Tech3 KTM team, struggling to find his footing in the top ten. His average grid position this season? A mere 16th, with a highest start of 17th in the last five rounds.
But don't count him out just yet. Bastianini's recent race in Malaysia showcased his potential, as he impressively climbed from 19th to seventh. This performance, coupled with his 2024 Portimao podium finish alongside KTM rookie Pedro Acosta, fuels his optimism.
Bastianini acknowledges the challenge ahead, stating, "We know we're still missing something in qualifying." But he remains hopeful, aiming for a second or third-row start to ease the race. And why not? Tech3 has a special connection with Portimao, having won the inaugural Portuguese MotoGP in 2020 with Miguel Oliveira on a KTM, and later witnessing Acosta's first premier-class podium.
Team manager Nicolas Goyon reminisces, "Our bike has always been strong on this track... We believe we have the tools to fight at the front this year." With Bastianini's recent strong races and his determination to improve, Portimao might just be the perfect stage for a comeback.
As KTM MotoGP test rider Pol Espargaro joins Bastianini in the Tech3 lineup this weekend, the team's focus is clear: reclaim past glory. Will Bastianini's story be one of triumph or a lesson in the challenges of adapting to new teams? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure—this comeback attempt is bound to spark debates among MotoGP enthusiasts.
